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Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White 35012: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics
by Adam HamiltonEveryone agrees that America is polarized, with ever-hardening positions held by people less and less willing to listen to one another. No one agrees on what to do about it.One solution that hasn’t yet been tried, says Adam Hamilton, is for thinking persons of faith to model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral, and religious issues that divide us. Hamilton rejects the easy assumptions and sloppy analysis of black and white thinking, seeking instead the truth that resides on all sides of the issues, and offering a faithful and compassionate way forward. He writes, "I don't expect you to agree with everything I've written. I expect that in the future even I won't agree with everything I've written here. The point is not to get you to agree with me, but to encourage you to think about what you believe. In the end I will be inviting those of you who find this book resonates with what you feel is true, to join the movement to pursue a middle way between the left and the right - to make your voices heard - and to model for our nation and for the church, how we can listen, learn, see truth as multi-sided, and love those with whom we disagree."Read more about this titleAdam Hamilton's Seeing Gray BlogNow available! Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White - DVDUPC: 843504001902A five-session video resource featuring Adam Hamilton teaching these concepts on DVD for group or individual study. Includes leader's guide as well as bonus video.Click below to view a preview of each video session.Where Faith and Politics MeetChrist Christians and the Culture WarsHow should we live, The Ethics of JesusSpiritual Maturity and Seeing GrayWhat Would Jesus Say to America?
The Stronghold
by Lisa CarterDrug violence, revenge killings, and kidnapping are nothing new along the U.S.-Mexican border. But now teenage girls are disappearing from the Apache reservations of Arizona and New Mexico. Apache tribal cop Pilar To-Clanny and FBI Special Agent Alex Torres have a long and tumultuous history. When someone close to them disappears, Pilar and Alex must risk everything to rescue the child, including facing the unresolved issues of the past, and venture into the no-man’s land of the drug cartels.Can Pilar and Alex work together to stop a sadistic killer before he strikes again? On a quest to rescue those they love, who will rescue them?
Guidelines Church Historian: Remember the Past and Inspire the Future
by CokesburyYou have been asked to be your church's historian, or you have just found a box of old records. What do you keep? How do you store the materials? How do you preserve them? What good is all this? As part of celebrating you church's anniversary, you want to write a history of your church. How do you start? Some of your church's leaders are aging. You want to record their memories. How do you prepare to interview them and what do you ask? This Guideline offers some answers and suggested ways to get more help.This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 that cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more.
If You Know Who You Are, You Will Know What to Do: Living with Integrity
by Ronald J. GreerThis volume offers a timely look at the important topic of integrity. What does integrity mean? What does it involve? How do we "do" integrity?Drawing on his experience as a Christian, a minister, and a pastoral counselor, Ronald J. Greer explores the two sides of integrity: personal integrity and moral integrity. Personal integrity involves an integrated life, where we are in harmony with ourselves, while moral integrity reflects the evolution of the word, as the idea of morality and ethics merged with the concept of wholenessPerfect for the graduate or as a gift for anyone at a key turning point in their lives, this small book provides the insight and guidelines that will become the touchstones for a good, well-lived life.
Blessings & Rituals for the Journey of Life
by Susan LanghauserCongregations celebrate various rites and rituals as a way of commemorating the significant life events and experiences of their members. By blessing something or someone, God’s presence is invoked and the sacred is invited into the mundane, the holy into the ordinary. This book offers pastors and other church leaders a collection of ready-made, easily adaptable blessings and rituals for a variety of occasions. The book is divided into four major chapters: Children, Adults, Everyday Life, and Pastoral Care. It includes blessings and rituals for such occasions as: welcome into a home or neighborhood, receiving a first Bible, graduation from high school, receiving a driver’s license, blessing the backpacks and lunch-boxes for a new school year, and pet funerals. Pastoral care rituals include such occasions as grief, lost love, anger, and declining health. Key Benefits: • Provides readers with a source of blessings and rituals for key moments in congregational members’ lives and meaningful ways to celebrate and support their life experiences and transitions • Shows readers how the intentional use of blessings and rituals within the congregation helps reveal to the community God’s presence in every phase of life
African American History & Devotions: Readings and Activities for Individuals, Families, and Communities
by Teresa L. BrownForeword by Sharma D. LewisTwenty-eight devotions for individuals, families, or small groups, including a scripture verse, a reflection on the scripture, related activities for each day, and a prayer. This intergenerational devotional is great for use during Black History Month, but can be used at any time.
Jesus in the Gospels: Containing Teacher Helps (Disciple Ser.)
by Leander E. Keck Nellie M. MoserThe leader guide provides guidance and the suggested schedule for weekly group sessions to enable discussion in small groups of what persons have discovered in their individual reading and study.Two pages of guidance per session include directions for using the related two-part video segment, procedures for group activity and study related to daily assignments, guidance for use of Gospel Comparisons in group study of Scripture, and questions for discussion. The portion of the weekly meeting when the group studies Scripture as a community recognizes the importance of and opens the way to reading Scripture aloud and hearing Scripture read aloud in the group.
The Way: 364 Daily Devotions
by E. Stanley JonesIf we are to get "a sparkle, a buoyancy . . . back into life, we can get it only as we are sure we are on the Way," says E. Stanley Jones. The Way—God’s Way—is revealed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as well as in the structure of reality. This practical volume leads step-by-step through the implications of the Way in every aspect of life. It progresses through 52 topics with daily readings, Scripture references, and prayer. A sequel to Victorious Living and Abundant Living, The Way offers a positive solution for mental and spiritual confusion, and guidance for a life filled with meaning.
The Council of Bishops in Historical Perspective: Celebrating 75 Years of the Life and Leadership of the Council of Bishops
by William B. OdenBehind the scenes with the Council of BishopsTwo authors who have served as a United Methodist bishop (William B. Oden) and as General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History (Robert J. Williams) collaborate on a history of the Council. They set the context for the development of what became the Council of Bishops in 1939 and recount the evolution of that body in recognition of its 75th anniversary. Includes photographs, a complete listing of all bishops of The United Methodist Church and predecessor bodies, the names of Council officers and bishops who delivered the Episcopal Address at General Conference, and an index.
Not Forsaken: Growing Up Black, Male, and Christian in the Hood (Not Forsaken)
by Chris McNairNot Forsaken: Growing up Black, Male and Christian in the Hood encapsulates principles author Chris McNair gleaned from successfully working with at-risk African American boys in the inner city in over thirty years of ministry. This book teaches how youth workers can address social, emotional, physical and spiritual issues facing young black men in the city. It is about building a relational ministry among black youth, centered on instilling a sense of identity in Christ and provides a study curriculum to use with the young men themselves.In addition to in-depth content from the Leader Guide, the study sessions contains everything needed to begin to equip leaders and guide a group through the study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions."In the thirty years I have known Rev. Chris McNair, he has always been hanging out with urban black males that no other youth serving organization or ministry seems able to connect with. By building long-term relationships with the most at-risk city youth, McNair engenders trust and creates possibilities for redemption. Part narrative and part training guide, Not Forsaken introduces you to his inspiring and instructive methodology for transformational ministry among urban black males and their families. This is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities."Curtiss Paul DeYoung, CEO, Minnesota Council of Churches“Chris McNair is a veteran youth worker, urban pastor, and advocate for the empowerment of the marginalized. I consider myself part of the fruit of his labor. Allow this book to equip you to serve as a vehicle of transformation among God's urban children and families.”Dr. Efrem Smith, Co-Senior Pastor of Bayside Church Midtown and Co-Owner of Influential LLC“I have never read a book that so clearly explains the plight of the African American male but yet navigates a clear path to fulfillment….. in Christ. The study guide really does hold your hand and takes you through thoughtful yet challenging issues the young African American males face today with a Scriptural foundation.”Bruce Morgan, CEO Kids Across America
Groove: Character Leader Guide (Groove)
by Michael AdkinsWhen beliefs, attitudes, and values line up with actions there is character. Helping teenagers grow in Christ-like character is no easy task. How do we help teenagers follow Jesus and take on his character? It takes practice and the commitment of their church family to support, encourage, and celebrate the "wins" with them along this exciting journey of growth.Character is a four-week Bible study designed to help teens develop Christ-like behavior in their daily lives. Teenagers will consider the ideas of truth, how they use their words, how they view their possessions, and what it is to be a person of integrity. The study is reinforced with daily devotions and exercises found in the Groove: Character Student Journal. Helping youth embrace character and the practice of growing their spiritual lives independent from group study can be a powerful combination.The Groove Bible study series invites teens to learn the essentials of their faith, own their story, and engage the world in serving Jesus. Each topical study consists of four weekly sessions that are easy to lead and relate to life issues teens face. With up to 48 weeks available, Groove is great for Sunday and mid-week gatherings for both large and small groups as well as retreats. The leader guide contains everything needed to lead teens through a Groove study, including teaching outlines, leader notes, Bible background, reflections, and parent communication.
The God Story Daily Readings
by Jacob ArmstrongDeveloped by Jacob Armstrong, founding pastor of Providence UMC in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, The God Story is a seven-week sermon series seeking to help congregants see the threads that run throughout the story of God’s people culminating in Jesus and the resurrection. The series uses classic components of story to help people see their place and role in God’s story. The Daily Readings allow individual church members to bring the sermon message home and provide additional insights and inspiration until the next Sunday sermon.
When the One You Love Is Gone
by Rebekah L. MilesWhen a loved one dies, you don’t get over it, but you can move on. The bad news is that we never fully “get over” the loss of those we hold most dear; we bear those scars to the grave. The good news is that God is at work in us turning our loss and pain into something beautiful. God can take the scars and the mess and the heartache of our lives-- yours and mine-- and use it to give new life, new life to us and new life to others. God is not in the business of zapping our loved ones and stealing them away from us. But in a world where death waits for every person, God stands ready. God stands ready to receive our beloved dead as they cross over; and God stands ready to guide us through the saddest days, to walk with us through our grief, and to take us into places we never could have imagined places of hope and renewal. If God could take a cross and broken body and make of them redemption, God can take your pain and heartache and fashion them into new life. This book is composed of the reflections that point to broader lessons that will help those who find themselves passing through grief, as well as the pastors, counselors, and friends whose job is to accompany the traveler.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Robin M. Van L. MaasStudy the entire Book of Job, beginning with a look at a man named Job and ending with when God asks questions. Some of the major ideas explored are: saying the right thing at the wrong time, personal vindication and the desire for immortality, why do the wicked live, playing the last card, and God delivers the afflicted.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
The Wednesday Workout: Practical Techniques for Rehearsing the Church Choir
by Richard Devinney"By the Way- You Start Tomorrow Night". The recruiting of a less-than-fully-trained person is usually done at the last minute, since the search for a fully trained person will continue as long as there is either time or hope. Our last-minute, inexperienced director, then will be starting immediately. This first chapter is the most light-hearted, the most general, and the most basic of the book. It is pep talk and a look at the thing to do the first night for the first Sunday. The remainder of the book covers the other ongoing aspects of planning and directing effective choral rehearsals.* Easy-to-use practical format and style* Light, anecdotal reading* Covers all elements of rehearsal planning and techniques* Provides directors handles on how to use rehearsal time* Helps directors learn to better plan and work ahead* Gives directors more confidence in this area of leadershipMarket* Church choir directors* Music directors
Covenant Bible Study: Leader Guide (Covenant Bible Study)
by Covenant Bible StudyCovenant Bible Study guides small groups through a comprehensive, in-depth study of the whole Bible over twenty-four sessions broken into three eight-session modules. Unlike the learning participants may have experienced in other groups, this study emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying theme through both the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in relationship with God while sharing signs of God's love with others.The Leader Guide contains comprehensive and detailed direction for the group leader to use in each 90- minute group experience. Direction is provided for each component of the group meeting with options that allow leaders to adapt to the group's unique characteristics. Components of the group meeting experience include: Gathering Together - Opening questions designed to prompt conversation that connects to the main theme of the episode. Reflecting Together - Sharing what participants learned from the week’s scripture readings with questions that tie their discoveries into a central theme. Video Segment - Playing of the video for the current episode. Discovering Together - Building on the insights of the biblical scholar, analyzing a single passage from the week’s readings, going deeper into the way they explore the Bible’s meaning. Centering Together - Engaging in meditation, which is a devotional way to read the Bible. Serving Together - Reading together the “Signs of Faithful Love' provided.
More African American Special Days: 15 Complete Worship Services
by Cheryl A. Kirk-DugganBy blending the traditional elements of the worship service with African American culture, Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan once again provides a practical resource for planning more of the special Sundays that congregations celebrate throughout the year.More African American Special Days contains fifteen services for special occasions, including: Pastor’s Day, Men’s Day, Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Kwanzaa, M.L. King, Jr. Day, Watch Night, Usher’s Day, Homecoming/Family Reunion, Deacon’s/Steward’s Day, Deaconess/Stewardess Day, Youth Rite of Passage, Board of Christian Education, and Women’s Missionary Society Day.
Love and Intimacy: Five Ways to Get Together and Stay Together
by Joseph W. Walker IIIThis is straight talk and teaching. Bishop Joseph W. Walker III draws on scripture to describe five ways for men and women to give and receive the kind of love that leads to what we all want--a fulfilling committed relationship. These steps include how to be ready for a holy hookup, meeting the standard, being real, being on the same team, and living to the glory of God together. "A long-lasting, loving, intimate relationship is a beautiful thing. I should know because I’ve been blessed with two. The day I married Dr. Diane Greer was one of the happiest days of my life… But that did not last because Diane died a few years later…This past year I married Dr. Stephaine Hale. It was a day I will never forget. God gave me the desires of my heart and proved to me that He is a restorer…I am convinced that that day began the best days of the rest of my life…Because I’ve been there, I also know that relationships take work. They don’t just happen. They are give and take propositions… But after all the fluff is brushed away, there are five basic steps in this journey of getting together and staying together." from the book
Ministerio series (AETH) - Cuidado Pastoral (AETH) - Cuidado Pastoral (AETH) - Cuidado Pastoral (AETH) - Cuidado Pastoral: Ministerio con Inmigrantes: Pastoral Care - The Ministry Series
by Association for Hispanic Theological EducationLa experiencia migratoria suscita un sinnúmero de situaciones complejas que presentan un reto súbito e inesperado al liderazgo pastoral. En su tarea pastoral el líder se enfrenta diariamente con gran número de personas que reflejan y le recuerdan su propia condición, así como sus conflictos y dificultades, como inmigrante en muchos casos. Tal experiencia pude resultar agotadora y emocional y espiritualmente debilitante, debido a la identificación o sobreidentificación con las personas a quienes sirve. Este libro explora estas ideas y sus dinámicas.The immigration experience stirs up an endless number of complex situations that present a sudden and unexpected challenge to pastoral leadership. In their Hispanic ministerial task, every day, church leaders are faced people who share their struggles and conflicts – particularly immigrants. Effectively carrying out this ministry can be exhausting and emotional and spiritually debilitating, due to the unique difficulties this ministry faces. This book explores ideas and the dynamics of this ministry.
Breakthrough - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Finding Freedom in Christ (Breakthrough)
by Barb RooseLet go of feeling like you are not a “good enough” Christian and find freedom in Christ by studying Paul’s letter to the Galatians in Breakthrough by Barb Roose.Have you ever felt that being a good Christian means you’ve got to follow a bunch of rules and measure up? If so, you aren’t alone! In this six-week Bible study of Galatians, Barb Roose shows us that even the believers in the early church struggled to let go of rule-keeping and performance in order to embrace God’s free gift of grace. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul pours out his heart and faith to set them straight, addressing so many of the same questions and problems we still face today, such as…- Who has led you to believe you have to follow rules and “measure up”?- Why do you think you have to be perfect for God?- Does God only show up or love you when you “get it right”?If you’ve ever struggled with these questions or felt trapped by rules or religion, this study will provide a path to discover your freedom in Christ.Through this study women will learn to:- Stop trying to measure up and embrace God’s grace- Distinguish between lies and truth- Embrace God’s promise of freedomComponents for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a Leader Guide, and video sessions with six 25-minute segments (with closed captioning).
Questions Jesus Asked Leader Guide
by Magrey deVegaWhat does Jesus want to know about us?Jesus was fond of asking questions, many of which cut right to the heart of what it means to be human. Why are you terrified? What do you live for? Who do you say that I am? In Questions Jesus Asked, author Magrey deVega explores six of the most provocative questions Jesus posed to others and guides us in answering them for ourselves.Asking these questions takes courage. Not only do they reveal what Jesus really cares about, they open a window into our hearts. We all have questions for God, but growth happens when we turn things around and ask what Jesus wants to know about us. When we dare to raise them, these questions bring us a fuller appreciation for the wisdom, power, and presence of God in our lives. Are you willing to step out in faith? Are you ready to answer the questions Jesus asked?The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study, including session plans, activities, discussion questions, and multiple format options. Additional components include the book, Questions Jesus Asked, and video teaching sessions featuring Magrey deVega, making this perfect as a group study throughout the year.
Do You Have Alligator Arms?: Embracing Life, Hope, and God
by James W. MoorePopular author James W. Moore draws on an old football term to explore the ways people let their fear stand in the way of living life and loving God to the fullest. The term "alligator arms” refers to a would-be pass receiver who fails to stretch out full length to catch the ball, because he fears an impending tackle; he's more interested in protecting himself from the hard hit than catching the ball. This fearful attitude results in fumbled passes, in other words, lots of failure and frustration. "Having alligator arms” is an ideal analogy for fearfully holding back rather than living life fully. In Do You Have Alligator Arms?, Moore explores what it means to let go of fear and purposefully embrace life, commitment, faith, hope, love, God, and others.
Children's Sermons To Go: 52 Take Home Lessons about God
by Deborah Raney Vicky MillerChildren's Sermons to Go is a collection of 52 sermons for children. Each sermon first gives a Bible verse and then illustrates that verse with a short anecdote. Each sermon lists easy-to-find household materials the preacher or worship leader can bring to give a visual demonstration that illustrates the truths presented in the sermon. The distinguishing feature of this sermon collection, however, is the small, inexpensive gifts or trinkets - mementos - that each child carries away from the children's sermon, thus giving the children a concrete object that helps them remember the message given in that day's children's sermon.
A Pastor's Practical Guide to Funerals: Offering Help, Assurance, and Hope
by Lee FranklinThis straight-forward book integrates the pragmatic "how to" of the funeral process--especially in dealing with "difficult" funerals--with the art of being a caring and healing presence before, during, and after the funeral. While conducting a funeral is one the great privileges of ministry, pastors must be skilled and ready to guide grieving family and friends through the process of saying goodbye and burying a loved one. With sample services, prayers, sermon themes, and Bible readings, this book will help pastors hear, name, and integrate relevant illustration into a respectful story of the deceased's life--a story that is appropriate to the particular circumstances of each situation.Contents include: Preparing for Death; Caring through Anticipated Death; Caring through Sudden Death; Meeting with Family before the Funeral Service; Creating the Funeral Service; Creating the Funeral Sermon; and Following up with Grievers
Marketing Your Church to the Community (Abingdon Press And Church Of The Resurrection Ministry Guides)
by Peter MetzAbingdon Press & The Church of the Resurrection Ministry Guides are the #1 choice for recruiting, motivating, and developing lay leadership for specialized ministries from A to Z.For those sharing the vision of reaching out with welcoming arms and a welcoming message, Marketing Your Church to the Community stands ready to help. Written clearly, concisely, and entertainingly, this guide will:* Arm you with ideas for getting your message right* Direct you through the marketing options maze* Help you keep your cool--while getting everything doneEach guide in the Abingdon Press & The Church of the Resurrection Ministry Guides is user-friendly, encouraging, and full of ideas that can be put into use right away--even on a limited budget or no budget at all!